Pump size for TLF reactors with GAC and NP biopellets?
 

Im planning on running two TLF reactors in parallel with GAC in one reactor and NP biopellets in the other.

What size of Maxi Jet pumps are people using for this kind of setup?

I ordered a 600, will this be enough flow?

I would have ordered a Maxi Jet 1200 ($29 at Blue World).

TLF recommends a 400-600 but I find running two reactors that the 1200 is a better choice. You have ball valves to tune down the flow on TLF's... so consider the fact that you can lower your flow with a bigger pump, but you can't make a smaller pump bigger.

You also need to consider the distance/height the water will travel.

Is this from personal experience using the 600? I will have to talk to Ken to get that pump it seems. Well at least I have a new 600 that I can sell.

even with one TLF i found that 600 won't make the pellets tumble nicely. 900 or 1200 will do better with one TLF. With two, I am not so sure, try to get bigger pump because you can always tune down the flow with your TLF ball valves

Yes personal experience. I have the 1200 running mine... and it could always be bigger.

I understand that you need some decent flow to get the pellets tumbling but does that toss up the carbon in the first chamber too much?

Actually my carbon barely tumbles with the 1200. Maybe I am using the wrong carbon.

You have the ball valves to adjust the difference flow between your carbon and pellets

Why do you need your carbon tumbles?

Not sure.... I am new to reactors myself... a couple months. I just know alot of media is supposed to tumble in them... but my carbon (Kent) barely moves.